Florida’s “Tilted House” Troubles: Judge Issues Daily Fines

The saga of the infamous “Tilted House” on Gulf Drive just took a dramatic turn. A Florida judge has ordered the property owners to pay $1,000 per day until they tear down the dangerously leaning structure that’s been at the center of a heated neighborhood dispute.

The home at 5101 Gulf Drive D has been a source of stress for neighbors ever since it collapsed in January 2024. Despite multiple court orders and extended deadlines, the structure still stands — and now the owners are facing serious financial consequences.

The Timeline

After months of missed deadlines and stalled progress, the judge laid out a timeline showing just how long the owners have delayed tearing down the dangerous structure:

• June 13, 2024: First order to demolish the house within 60 days.
• August 15, 2024: Deadline extended to September 2.
• November 4, 2024: Another extension — this time to December 13.
• February 5 & May 21, 2025: New orders requiring proof of contractor bids and demolition efforts.

As of the August 15, 2025 hearing, no demolition contract had been executed, and the hazardous structure remained intact.

The Order

In a newly issued order, the court found that owners James Sturgeon and Yik Chun Wu are in civil contempt and imposed fines for every day they miss the following milestones:

• August 27, 2025: Sign a demolition contract
• September 12, 2025: Obtain demolition permits
• October 31, 2025: Complete demolition

Why It Matters

Neighbors say the tilted structure has already caused damage to nearby homes and fear it could collapse again. The plaintiffs, represented by Rebecca Gilliland of Beasley Allen and Alexis Mays of Emmanuel Sheppard & Condon, argue that the owners have had more than enough time to act.

The court agreed, noting that contractors are available and willing to do the work. The judge also said the plaintiffs are entitled to seek reimbursement for legal fees.

What’s Next

The owners must now move quickly to avoid mounting fines. If they miss the October 31 demolition deadline, or any of the interim deadlines required by the order, they could owe tens of thousands of dollars — and still be required to tear the house down.

Our clients deserve a resolution that puts their safety first and restores their properties to the way they were before the damage. We’re committed to using every legal option available to make sure they get the compensation and justice they’re owed.